Seeds - Queen Anne's Lace

For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota) is a tall, biennial umbellifer, known for its spectacular white flower umbels that bloom in the summer. These flowers are particularly favored by bees and other pollinators. The plant can reach up to 1.2 metres in height, with slender, slightly hairy stems. Its finely divided leaves resemble those of carrots, of which it is the ancestor. Queen Anne's lace is ideal for naturalistic and vegetable gardens, not only for its ornamental beauty but also for its ecological benefits. It prefers well-drained, sunny soil, though it also tolerates light shade. The roots are harvested in the first year, as they become fibrous and tough in the second year.

Medicinal and Culinary Use
The roots, leaves, and seeds of Queen Anne's lace are edible and have a variety of culinary uses. The roots can be harvested in the first year and eaten raw or cooked, while the leaves can be used to flavour soups, salads, or other dishes. The seeds have a spicy flavour similar to caraway or fennel and can be used to add flavour to dishes.

Medicinally, Queen Anne's lace is valued for its diuretic, carminative, and stimulating properties. The seeds are particularly used to relieve digestive issues such as bloating and also function as a vermifuge.

Ecological Roles
Queen Anne's lace plays an important ecological role in gardens and ecosystems in Quebec. Its white flower umbels attract bees and other pollinators, while also drawing predatory insects like ladybugs and parasitoid wasps, which help control pest populations in the garden. This makes it an excellent ally for gardeners seeking ecological crop management practices. Queen Anne's lace also contributes to biodiversity by providing food for various insects and enhancing soil health.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.